Residents Urged to Move as Indonesian Volcano Erupts Frequently

A volcano that triggered a deadly tsunami was erupting nearly every minute Friday, blowing ash more than a mile skyward, and authorities said they would urge survivors to permanently move away from the shorelines vulnerable to killer waves.

Though searchers are still exploring hard-to-reach areas, authorities said they don’t expect the death toll to rise significantly from the current 426, which has been revised slightly downward because some victims had been counted twice, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster agency.

Mr. Nugroho said more than 350,000 people live along the Sunda Strait separating the islands of Java and Sumatra and were vulnerable to the Anak Krakatau volcanic island in the middle.

The agency, which has managed the response to a string of disasters this year that have left more than 4,000 people dead, will urge the government to relocate as many residents as possible as part of its rebuilding program, Mr. Nugroho said.

“Not all people will be willing to move out because most are fishermen,’’ Mr. Nugroho said.

Anak Krakatau, or “Child of Krakatau,” is growing from the ashes of Krakatau—the volcano best known as Krakatoa, which blew itself apart in 1883, killing 36,000 people and lowering global temperatures for years due to its emissions. The new volcano has been in a state of eruption since June.

Welcome to the Hope For Our Times App! Hope For Our Times is about the revelation and prophecies of the Holy Bible. Pastor Tom Hughes of 412 Church in San Jacinto, California reviews the events of the world today and highlights the biblical aspects and what believers should be watching for in the end times.

“When you see these things begin to take place, look up for your redemption draws near.”
Luke 21:28